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Saturday, 28 June 2014

One lucky reader will win this cord necklace with paw print charm and this pretty beaded bracelet with dog charm. It's easy to enter, just follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter form below. Entries closes at 6pm on 12th July 2012. UK entries only.

Sunday, 22 June 2014

Leading pet charity, Blue Cross, says it has seen a massive increase
in the number of miniature ponies being bought on the hoof and later
being abandoned at its equine centres across the UK.

The charity has reported a massive seven fold increase over the last
10 years in the number of Shetland type ponies coming through the doors
of its rehoming centres.

Like fashionable breeds of popular handbag dogs, Blue Cross believes
these small horses are being bought because people think they are easier
to look after. But owners don’t realise that these ponies, although
little, can be hard to handle and are a big responsibility.

Vicki Alford, Blue Cross horse rehoming manager explains: “This issue
is the equine equivalent to the handbag dog trend. Small ponies are
very popular with families who want to get their children a pet. But
despite their size, Shetlands can be very strong and require as much
care and management as any other large horse. When people can’t cope,
rescues like Blue Cross are left to pick up the pieces.”

Buttons and Smartie are just two of the 65 Shetland type ponies that
Blue Cross took in last year. The 17 year old ponies arrived at the
charity’s Burford rehoming centre after being abandoned by their owners.
They are now being cared for by the charity team until they are ready
to go to new homes.

Vicki Alford adds: “We would urge anyone thinking of getting a horse
or pony to give it serious thought and, like any pet, do lots of
research before making a commitment. There are lots of horses in rescue
centres, so please do pay Blue Cross a visit if you think you can help a
horse in need.”

Blue Cross rehomes over 8,000 pets every year and receives no
government funding. To find out more about Blue Cross and to give a pet a
home, visit www.bluecross.org.uk.

Saturday, 21 June 2014

Jessie is a 5 year old beautiful Mastiff cross Great Dane who has sadly had a tough life. She is a large dog who sadly appealed to the wrong kind of person who saw her as a ‘status’ dog and a way of making money. Kept in a lock-up shed behind a community centre, Jessie was bred from but not given proper after care – abused and neglected she didn’t know what love or care was like.

Her owner was sent to prison (for unrelated offences) but he made no arrangements to have Jessie looked after. Neighbours alerted the police and dog warden after hearing pitiful howling and crying coming from the shed, who broke in and rescued her. The sight was sad to see – a large beautiful dog that was painfully thin and just so grateful to see human company. She was taken to a rescue centre where she received emergency vet treatment for a vaginal infection probably caused by lack of care after she had a litter of puppies. She had cigarette burns on her legs and ears, her nose had been slashed and by the way she reacted to raised hands she had obviously suffered badly at the hands of her owner. Her eyes were the saddest I have ever seen, I just cannot imagine what she had seen and been though.

Jessie when she arrived with us as a foster dog. She had already put on weight at the rescue centre, but was still painfully thin.

My mum originally fostered her, but as soon as I saw her eyes I knew I couldn’t bear to part with her. I have a lot of health problems, including fibromyalgia which causes me chronic muscle and joint pain, M.E, diabetes, depression and anxiety problems. Six years ago I was at rock bottom and was pulled out of a severe depression by my spaniel, Henry, and he has helped me a lot over the years. However since my Dad died two years ago Henry has attached himself to mum and I had been feeling very lonely again. I soon as I met Jessie I knew that loneliness was nothing compared to what she had suffered. The depression had begun sucking me back into a dark and dangerous place but I pulled myself out of it as I knew I had to help this poor dog who had suffered at the hands of man.

When she first arrived in our home, she had shut down and was very withdrawn, but gradually her health improved and her true personality began to show. She had to put on over 10kg as she was very underweight, and she was treated for infections and cuts and burns. Put the most important treatment we gave her was love.

We have now had Jessie for almost two years and I have never known such a loving, loyal and trusting dog. Despite everything she has been through, she loves and trusts everyone. When I am in pain (which is most of the time), Jessie instinctively knows it and won’t leave my side. She cuddles up next to me and won’t leave me. If I am upset or crying, she licks away my tears. My spaniel has always been able to tell me when my diabetic sugar levels drop, and Jessie seems to have copied him. She can now alert me if it drops to a dangerous level – a wonderful achievement I think. When I am out on my mobility scooter, she trots proudly by my side. If I am getting anxious, she knows how to calm me down to prevent a panic attack. Jessie sleeps on my bed and is there for me 24/7.

For years my mobility has been poor and I’ve had to use a scooter or walking frame. However over the last few months my pain levels and mobility have worsened and I am now at the stage where I am confined to my wheelchair most of the time, even indoors. I have found this incredibly hard to deal with, but Jessie has really helped me and has kept me going. She is gentle and doesn’t pull me, and has even leaned into me to steady me when I’ve stumbled.

For everything she has been through she is an amazingly kind, trusting and well-adjusted dog. She is happy in any environment – be it a busy dog show, bustling pub or a busy town centre.

I was very proud of Jessie in March 2014 as she made it to Crufts! She was a finalist in the Friends for Life competition and appeared live on Channel 4. She behaved amazingly well in such a busy environment, and I hope she showed a few people that rescue dogs like her make great pets.

Being interviewed by Clare Balding live on Channel 4!

She also acts as ‘ears’ for my other dog Henry who has gone deaf – she tells him very important things like when a packet of treats is being rustled! If Henry is asleep and we want to wake him up, we ask Jessie if she wants some ham or a biscuit. She then gets up and nudges Henry. He sees that she is excited and they both get up to have their treat. When mum comes home from work, she wakes Henry up and they both go to the door together. He relies on her a lot and is much more confident when he has Jessie with him.

Jessie is a true ambassador for large rescue dogs. Some people are initially frightened of her due to her size and the image people have of dogs like her as ‘status’ dogs, but after just a few seconds in her company they realise she is a big softy who is gentle and loving with everyone she meets, young and old. We put bright, fun bandanas on her to try and soften her appearance – she gets many admiring glances and smiles when she is trotting next to me on my mobility scooter. When I look at the photos I took of her when she first arrived as a walking skeleton, I hardly recognise my beautiful girl, and it brings tears to my eyes. Jessie truly is a special rescue dog who has overcome unbearable cruelty in her life and makes my life brighter - I am so proud of her.

Monday, 16 June 2014

Like most families we enjoy a nice BBQ when the sun is shining, in fact we had one only yesterday. But you can get fed up with the usual burgers, sausages and chicken drumsticks, so we have some tasty BBQ recipes to share with you that will add a new dimension to your family BBQs.

The first batch of recipes we have to share with you are from PGI Welsh Lamb. I must admit that we don't often BBQ lamb but these recipes look absolutely delicious and have inspired me to try it this weekend (weather permitting!).

Welsh Lamb was awarded PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) status in 2003 for it's unique flavour, which is a result of specific geographic elements and traditional farming methods. Welsh sheep have been reared in the hills and valleys of Wales for centuries, leading to hardy breeds that thrive in the country’s natural landscape. Rain and fertile land combine to produce lush grassland with many different heathers and indigenous fragrant wild herbs that contribute to the distinctive flavour of Welsh Lamb.

-1 whole leg of PGI Welsh Lamb, bone removed and butterflied (cut through large muscle so that joint becomes flatter and of a more even thickness). Finished weight approx 1.35kg (3lb)

Marinade:

-30ml (2tbsp) soy sauce

-1 orange, rind and juice removed

-15ml (1tbsp) Dijon mustard

-3 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed

-3 sprigs fresh thyme

How to cook

1.Fire up the BBQ, or if the British summer has struck again pre-heat the oven to Gas Mark 5, 190ºC, 375ºF.

2.Either ask your butcher to butterfly the leg of lamb or, follow our step by step guide and have a go yourself.

3.Take two long metal skewers and thread through the meat corner to corner. This not only holds the meat together, but believe it or not, also helps it cook.

4.Place all the marinade ingredients into a large deep dish and stir well. Remember that the dish must be big enough to hold your joint of lamb.

5.Now place the joint of meat into the dish and turn it to coat with marinade. Cover with cling film and place in the fridge to marinate for about 1 hour – maybe grab a cool drink while you’re there.

6.The joint can be cooked on the BBQ (lidded BBQ’s are best) or you can place in a preheated oven directly onto the oven shelf with a ‘drip tray’ placed under the meat to catch juices.

7.Cook for about 40-50 minutes or until centre is around 70ºC – the thinner the lamb the quicker it will cook! Keep the delicious marinade, pour it into a small pan and boil rapidly.

8.Serve with jacket potatoes and a salad of mixed leaves, chicory and orange wedges drizzled with the heated through marinade. Oh, and don’t forget to bask in the glory.

Leg of PGI Welsh Lamb with Coconut Chilli and Coriander

Time required: 50 mins Serves: 6

Ingredients:

-1 Boneless leg of PGI Welsh Lamb

-400ml (approx) can reduced fat coconut milk

-2 red chillies, deseeded and finely chopped

-2 garlic cloves, crushed

-Fresh coriander, roughly chopped

-1 lime, grated rind and juice

How to cook

1.Remove strings and flatten out lamb. Place boneless leg of lamb into a shallow dish and add the marinade ingredients - thoroughly combine together, cover and place in fridge for 1 hour.

2.Remove from the marinade and thread metal skewers crisscrossing through the meat to keep flat.

3.Cook on a lidded or covered barbecue - place flat onto the barbecue grid (not too close to the coals) turning frequently for about 40 - 50 minutes.

4.Alternatively place directly onto the shelf in a preheated oven (gas mark 4-5, 180°C, 350°F, place a tray underneath to catch the drips) for about 40 - 50 minutes until browned on the outside and still a little pink in the centre.

1.This delicious recipe gives you three easy marinade options that can be made from ingredients you may have lying around in the cupboard. You simply mix the marinade ingredients of your choice together & marinate the lamb for 1-2 hours covered in the fridge.

2.Heat the BBQ, making sure that the sky is blue and the coals are grey. If it starts to rain, don’t worry, you can cook this incredible dish just as easily under the grill.

3.Cook for around 4-6 minutes each side. Any remaining chilli & tomato marinade can be boiled thoroughly and served as a sauce.

Monday, 9 June 2014

Yesterday was the much anticipated day of Terry the tortoise's arrival - a day that I have been waiting for for months! He travelled home from the breeders really well, he was perfectly content in his travel case - it was about an hours journey so we were pleased he coped with this well.

Here is the little chap - as you can see he is absolutely tiny! He is only 10 months old so he is still a baby and has alot of growing to do yet.

He is eating well, he tucked into a nice breakfast of weeds and he's been grazing throughout the day. As it's been lovely and sunny here today he's been able to go in his outdoor enclosure. I sat and watched him explore for the first hour as I was too paranoid to leave him! Here are a few more photos.

Thursday, 5 June 2014

Henry is a rescued English Springer Spaniel who we adopted
in the summer of 2008. Henry was
abandoned by his previous owner, and was in very poor health. Little did I know how much this neglected,
sad, scared dog would change my life.

He was left in a house alone for several weeks while his owner worked at
the other end of the country. His
neighbours rightly complained about this, as he made alot of noise when food etc.
ran out, so the next time he had to go away he put Henry in boarding kennels -
and never came back to collect him.

Henry was extremely underweight, had a matted urine stained coat, infected
ears, sore skin and a sore nose. He was
also suffering from a severe stomach virus, which he nearly died from. But worse than this was his mental health -
he was scared of everything; hated doors closed in the house, was obsessed with
food and couldn't be left alone.

Henry at the rescue centre

In 2004 I had a promising career as a trainee accountant and
led a happy, normal life. Suddenly all
normality ended when I came ill and had to leave my job. I was constantly exhausted, often had
black-outs and was in huge amounts of pain all the time. Eventually I was diagnosed with ME, fibromyalgia
(a condition which causes severe muscle and joint pain) and diabetes. As months became years I lost all hope of
getting my life back and fell into a deep impression. I cut myself off from my friends and refused
to leave the house unless accompanied by my mum or brother; even then I often
made excuses not to go. My life had
become restricted to my bedroom, living room and hospital appointments. I suffered panic attacks at the thought of
having to see or speak to anyone, and would hide in my room if even close
family visited. It had come to the point
where I seriously thought that my life wasn’t worth living and thought of
ending it all. Then Henry entered my
life and everything changed.

I saw in Henry’s eyes some of the anxiety and fear that I
also felt, he too had also lost his former life and was afraid what the future
held. We bonded instantly and I vowed to
help him overcome his poor health. Henry
gave me a purpose to keep going, and saved me from a world of dark depression
and saved my life. Gradually Henry’s
health improved and he became a happy and healthy dog. I was proud of him and what he’d overcome.

Me and Henry a few months after we adopted him

Over the next few months Henry helped me when I was feeling
low, and even managed to calm me down when I had panic attacks my nudging my
hand and making me stroke him so I focused my attention on him. I was proud of my handsome dog and started to
take him out for walks using my mobility scooter. If people came to talk to me I was happy to
tell them all about my amazing dog, and didn’t feel the need to rush away.

I didn’t think it was possible for Henry to help me any more
than he already did, but boy was I wrong.
I often collapsed when my blood sugars went low and mum noticed he acted
very strangely before these happened.
Eventually we realised then Henry was letting me know when my blood
sugars were dropping my sniffing my breath and licking my face. We tested my sugars and he’s right every
time. When he gives me this warning he
gives me time to eat a glucose tablet to raise my sugars so that a diabetic
hypo is prevented. This has saved me
several times over the last year.

Out and about with Henry

Then in august of 2010 I was asleep on the sofa unwell, mum
assumed it was my normal ill health and let me sleep off the pain. Then Henry acted very strangely pulling her
over to me, barking and pawing at me.
Mum came to check me and realised I was burning up unconscious. It turned out I had septicaemia and was in
hospital for a week. I had an operation
to remove some infected tissue from my leg.
It was very serious, and if it wasn’t for Henry I wouldn’t be here now,
he saved my life.

My father passed away on November 11th 2011, and
Henry has helped both myself and my mother cope with this. When we’re crying, he cuddles into us. When we’re feeling sad, he makes us laugh by
throwing his toys at us. He has been a
great comfort.

In April 2013 Henry suddenly went deaf, almost overnight.
The vets believe this is due to his age and the problems he had with his ears
when he was rescued. He is coping very well, has learnt sign language and has
even taken part in demos for the Deaf Dog Network

Henry is now deaf, but copes amazingly well

18 months ago we adopted Jessie, a mastiff cross who
suffered severe abuse. Henry helped her to learn to trust humans, if it wasn’t
for Henry I don’t think Jessie would have recovered so well.

Wednesday, 4 June 2014

After what has seemed like a long wait, we will finally be collecting our new addition to the family on Sunday - Terry the tortoise! Terry is a Hermann's Tortoise, is just under a year old and is from a reputable UK breeder. Ever since I was a child I've wanted a tortoise, probably because I heard so much about the tortoise my father had when he was growing up.

Terry's indoor enclosure is now ready for him, I just need to add his food and water on Sunday. A model tortoise is currently in Terry's place, but he is much bigger than the real thing will be - Terry will only be about 2 inches long. My next job is to finish off his outdoor enclosure ready for when (or if!) we have some nice sunny weather. Then I've just got to wait for the little chap to arrive!

Tuesday, 3 June 2014

I'd like to introduce you to Devon, our foster dog. He has been looking for a new home since August 2013 and would love to find his new home soon. I really can't understand why he has been waiting so long, because he will make someone a wonderful pet.

He is a small collie cross (possibly crossed with a terrier), aged approx 2 to 3 years old. He is good with other dogs, and is happily living with our dogs at the moment. He loves people and is also good with cats. Devon enjoys his walks and going out and about. He has met lots of livestock on our walks (everything from pigs to an ostrich!) and is well behaved around them. Devon also travels well in the car.

Like alot of collies, Devon does not cope well in kennels, which is why he is currently staying with us. He's welcome to stay here as long as necessary, but he really deserves a permanent home of his own.

Devon is a happy chap who loves to play with toys and his family He does get a bit excited when he first meets people, which has put a few people off, but it's only because he loves people so much and he soon calms down. He is a fun dog who would make a great addition to any family.

Devon is currently on foster in East Devon for a Somerset based rescue but he can be rehomed nationwide. If you are interested in giving Devon a new home please contact Dogs 4 Adoption on 01823 490333 or email them at info@dogs4adoption.co.uk

We are giving our lovely readers a change to win a Good Boy Soft Dog Toy. I'm sure your dogs will have great fun with this cute rabbit toy. It's easy to enter - just comment on this blog post with your dogs name, then confirm you've done this on the rafflecopter form below. You can earn extra entries by following on twitter, liking on facebook and tweeting (you can do this daily). The competition will close on 17th June at 6pm. Good luck everyone!

Monday, 2 June 2014

My friend is currently holding an unusual fundraiser to raise funds for Forever Hogs Rescue. One of her African Pygmy Hedgehogs, Honey, will be taking part in a wheelathon - just guess how far she will run in 7 nights! Guesses are £1 each or you can sponsor Honey if you prefer. You can also some buy some lovely bracelets and necklaces, again all money goes to the rescue. There are some great prizes to be won, so why not give it a go. The fundraiser is being held on Facebook here.

About Honey the hedgehog (written by her owner Beverley Davies)

Things don't always go to plan when breeding animals and that was the case when my little African Pygmy Hedgehog Honey was born.

Mum Lola gave birth to two very cute babies on 31st January 2014. Her breeders were delighted at their safe arrival and couldn't wait to meet them once they were 2 weeks old and old enough to be looked at more closely. However, 9 days after the babies were born something very sad and shocking happened - Lola suddenly passed away with the babies still feeding from her. Everyone was devastated. Nobody knew why Lola had died but their priority now had to be the babies and how they could try to save their little lives. At 9 days old their lives really did hang in the balance and nobody thought they would survive. They were tiny and orphaned. They considered hand rearing them but this isn't always the best for a good outcome for the babies. Another of the females had recently also had a litter of 2 babies so it was decided to add Lola's 2 babies to Alice's and see if she would accept them and feed them - amazingly she did! The babies grew from strength to strength and when they started to leave the nest by themselves to investigate everyone started to believe that they might actually survive.At 5 weeks old it was mentioned that they would be starting to look for a home for the female. They said that they were looking for a very special home for their special girl. Having followed the story of how these babies had been fighting for their little lives I was drawn to her. I spoke with the breeder, who is also the breeder of my other APH Herbie, and they agreed to me having her, I was delighted. At this point I was warned that it was still early days and they wanted to be 100% sure that she was ok so it might be a few weeks before I could have her. I expected to be waiting a good while. At six weeks old the babies are taken away from the mum to prepare them for moving to their new homes. All 4 babies were feeding well and in fact the Lola's babies were as big as the other 2 in the litter that were a few days older. At 7 weeks old I was told I could bring her home! I couldn't believe it! I named her Honey and on 23rd March I brought her home. Honey is such a cutie and so full of life. In fact she never stops running, she is totally crazy. She runs so fast and hardly sits still. I call her my wild child as she is such a livewire. Its like she is saying "look at me, I survived!" Little Orphan Honey is my little fighter and she is adorable.